Lomotil vs. Imodium: Which is better? (2023)

FAQs

What is the strongest drug for diarrhea? ›

Bismuth subsalicylate (i.e., Pepto-Bismol) has been proven to be effective in children with chronic diarrhea and for adults with microscopic colitis. Clinical experience suggests that opioids and opioid agonists are the most effective prescription medications for treatment of chronic diarrhea.

Pepto-Bismol is an OTC medication used to treat diarrhea in people ages 12 and older. Unlike Imodium A-D, it's also used to relieve other symptoms, including heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.

Diarrhea usually stops 2 days after treatment with this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within 10 days of treatment, check with your doctor. This medicine may cause serious stomach or bowel problems (eg, toxic megacolon). This is more likely if you also have ulcerative colitis.

Diarrhea treatment depends on the underlying cause. For bacterial and parasitic infections, your doctor will prescribe anti-infective medicines, such as antibiotics. Preventing dehydration is the main focus of viral diarrhea treatment. This means replacing electrolytes and drinking plenty of fluids.

Lomotil is not a banned drug. However, it is a Schedule V controlled substance as classified by the DEA. This means that there is a potential for misuse and abuse when using this drug. By itself, diphenoxylate, the main active ingredient of Lomotil, is a Schedule II substance with a high potential for abuse.

Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively. The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function.

Imodium will usually help to slow down your acute diarrhea in the first hour, but if your diarrhea continues you may need to take additional doses in the same day. Take no more than the recommended maximum dose per day.

If you have constipation with Imodium, stop taking the drug. Constipation may last for a few days after you take Imodium, but it typically goes away on its own. And drinking plenty of water can help ease constipation. However, if you have constipation that doesn't improve after a few days, see your doctor.

Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast. You can also try probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water.

What is the first line treatment for diarrhea? ›

The most important treatment for diarrhea is to drink fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS). Sports drinks (eg, Gatorade) may be acceptable if you are not dehydrated and are otherwise healthy.

Water, Pedialyte, fruit juices, caffeine-free soda, and salty broths are some good choices. According to the Cleveland Clinic, salt helps slow down the fluid loss, and sugar will help your body absorb the salt.

Your symptoms are likely to improve within 48 hours of taking Lomotil. It means you should see changes in the consistency (firmer) and frequency (lesser) of your stools. If your symptoms do not improve even after taking Lomotil for 10-days (adults) and 48-hours (children), make sure to get in touch with your doctor.

If you and your doctor determine that Lomotil is safe and effective for you, you may take it short term or long term, depending on the type of diarrhea you have. Tell your doctor if you're taking Lomotil and your diarrhea doesn't improve within 10 days. They may ask you to stop using Lomotil and try another treatment.

Diarrhea usually stops 2 days after treatment with this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within 10 days of treatment, check with your doctor. This medicine may cause serious stomach or bowel problems (eg, toxic megacolon). This is more likely if you also have ulcerative colitis.

Try an over the counter treatment.

There are a number of over the counter treatments available for diarrhea relief, such as loperamide (Imodium™), attapulgite (Kaopectate®), and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®).

Stick to a diet of clear liquids for a day or two until the diarrhea stops. Avoid sugary fruit juices, caffeine, carbonated drinks, dairy products, and food that's greasy, overly sweet, or high in fiber. There's one exception to avoiding dairy products: Yogurt with live, active cultures may help curb diarrhea.

When to Visit the ER for Diarrhea. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible for diarrhea with these symptoms: Diarrhea lasting more than two days. Blood or pus in the stool.

Lomotil (diphenoxylate / atropine) is a controlled medication, because it contains diphenoxylate, which is an opioid medication. At smaller doses, it's used to treat diarrhea and does not cause pain-relieving effects like morphine at recommended doses.

Is Lomotil bad for your heart? ›

Health care professionals should be aware that higher than recommended loperamide doses can result in serious cardiac adverse events including QT interval prolongation, Torsades de Pointes or other ventricular arrhythmias, syncope, and cardiac arrest.

Foods to eat when you have diarrhea

BRAT stands for “bananas, rice, apples, toast.” These foods are bland, so they won't aggravate the digestive system. They're also binding, so they help firm up stool.

Is it safe to take for a long time? If you've bought loperamide for short-term diarrhoea, do not take it for longer than 48 hours without talking to a doctor. Loperamide may be used for long-lasting diarrhoea and by people who have a colostomy (stoma) if their doctor prescribes it.

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.

If you will be taking this medicine for acute diarrhea, you should not use it for more than 2 days, unless directed by your doctor.

IMODIUM^® slows down the movement (contractions) in your intestine so that you pass firmer stools less often. But usually, the drug doesn't completely stop you from having bowel movements³. Constipation may occur. If so, stop taking IMODIUM^® and consult your doctor if constipation is severe.

It's best to treat it early. Although acute diarrhea usually resolves on its own within a few days, you can get relief faster with IMODIUM products. IMODIUM products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide which works to help restore your body's natural rhythm so you can start to feel like yourself again.

You should avoid certain kinds of foods when you have diarrhea, including fried foods and greasy foods. Avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.

Simply put, rapid defecation after you eat is caused when an irritant or biological process of some kind disrupts your normal process of digestion. These unsettling events could be caused by external factors like viruses or bacteria, or could be due to diseases and food allergies.

Does Coke stop diarrhea? ›

Nurses' drug alert: cola drinks not recommended for diarrhea.

Toast adds bulk to your stool, making it more likely you will have a normal bowel movement. It is the 'T' in the anti-diarrhoea diet BRAT, which comprises bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These plain foods supply energy and nutrition without upsetting the stomach because they are easier to break down.

Diarrhea usually is not serious and often disappears within a day or so. Mom's advice is still the best when it comes to home treatments for diarrhea: Eat chicken soup and saltines and follow the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

Avoid high-fiber foods, such as nuts, whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.

It helps to decrease the number and frequency of bowel movements. It works by slowing the movement of the intestines. Diphenoxylate is similar to opioid pain relievers, but it acts mainly to slow the gut.

Step 3: Alternate taking two Lomotil tablets and two Imodium tablets or Imodium AD every six hours, as shown below in the chart. reduce the number of Imodium or Imodium AD you are taking.

Your diarrhoea symptoms will improve within 48 hours of treatment with this medicine. How long do the effects of this medicine last? Lomotil Tablet remains active in the body for about 4 to 6 hours.

Diphenoxylate (applies to Lomotil) liver/renal

Diphenoxylate should be used with extreme caution in patients with advanced hepatorenal disease and in all patients with abnormal liver function since hepatic coma may be precipitated. Diphenoxylate is contraindicated in patients with obstructive jaundice.

Lomotil (diphenoxylate atropine combination) has been in use as an antidiarrhoeal agent. Due to presence of opioid (diphenoxylate), there are chances of abuse.

Initial And Maximum Recommended Dosage In Patients 13 Years Of Age And Older. The initial adult dosage is 2 Lomotil tablets four times daily (maximum total daily dose of 20 mg per day of diphenoxylate hydrochloride). Most patients will require this dosage until initial control of diarrhea has been achieved.

What are the reviews for Lomotil? ›

Lomotil has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 44 reviews for the treatment of Diarrhea. 73% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.

Lomotil Tablet is a medication used to treat diarrhea. It manages symptoms of diarrhea such as stomach pain, cramping, and loose stools. Lomotil Tablet is taken with or without food at the dose and duration recommended by the doctor.

If you have constipation with Imodium, stop taking the drug. Constipation may last for a few days after you take Imodium, but it typically goes away on its own. And drinking plenty of water can help ease constipation. However, if you have constipation that doesn't improve after a few days, see your doctor.

Imodium will usually help to slow down your acute diarrhea in the first hour, but if your diarrhea continues you may need to take additional doses in the same day. Take no more than the recommended maximum dose per day.

This medicine may cause heart rhythm problems (eg, torsades de pointes, ventricular arrhythmias). Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have chest pain or discomfort, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or trouble breathing. Loperamide may increase your risk for stomach or bowel problems.

Is it safe to take for a long time? If you've bought loperamide for short-term diarrhoea, do not take it for longer than 48 hours without talking to a doctor. Loperamide may be used for long-lasting diarrhoea and by people who have a colostomy (stoma) if their doctor prescribes it.

Give oral rehydration solution (ORS) immediately to dehydrated patients who can sit up and drink. If ORS is not available, you should provide water, broth, and/or other fluids. You should not provide drinks with a high sugar content, such as juice, soft drinks, or sports drinks, because they could worsen diarrhea.